Tool changer mechanism for machining centers

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a tool changing mechanism comprising an arm with hands at each end thereof having means to pick up both boring and turning tools. The arm is actuated by hydraulic rotary actuators and the tools are gripped by air operated fingers. A turret assembly is equipped with a boring tool holder and a turning tool holder for the acceptance of tools changed by the changing mechanism. A magazine holds replacement boring bars and turning tools until a tool change is required. An automatic tool lock-unlock mechanism is provided to lock the tools in cutting position.

I claim: 
     
       1. A tool changer for a machining center comprising means for storing a tool,   means for supporting a tool in cutting position,   a slide movable toward and away from said storing and cutting positions, and   an arm on said slide rotatable about an axis equally spaced between the tool engaging means thereon and which extends at a right angle to the direction of movement of said slide, and   tool engaging means attached at each end of said arm by a wrist rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of said arm for removing and replacing tools at both said storing and cutting positions.   
     
     
       2. A tool changer in accordance with claim 1 including means for moving the axis of rotation of said arm at a right angle to the direction of movement of said slide. 
     
     
       3. A tool changer in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tool engaging means are attached to said wrists by hands rotatable about axes parallel to the axis of movement of said slide. 
     
     
       4. A tool changer in accordance with claim 3 wherein said tool engaging means are supported on arcuate fingers on said hands. 
     
     
       5. A tool changer in accordance with claim 3 wherein said tool engaging means comprises a pair of spaced pins. 
     
     
       6. A tool changer in accordance with claim 5 including a tool having spaced parallel bores in one face thereof for the acceptance of said pins. 
     
     
       7. A tool changer in accordance with claim 3 wherein said tool engaging means comprises a pair of spaced arcuate segments of V-shaped cross section. 
     
     
       8. A tool changer in accordance with claim 7 including a tool having a circular shank with a radial collar thereon, said collar having a V-groove on its periphery for the acceptance of said arcuate segments. 
     
     
       9. A tool changer in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tool supporting means comprises a tool holder having a V-shaped recess therein, and a V-shaped wedge in said recess engageable with said tool. 
     
     
       10. A tool changer in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tool supporting means comprises a tool holder having a cylindrical recess therein, means for locking a tool in said recess comprising a conical wedge, rotatable means for advancing and retracting said conical wedge, and power means for effecting rotation of said rotatable means. 
     
     
       11. A tool changer in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tool supporting means comprises a tool holder having a recess therein for the acceptance of square shank tools, and means in said recess engageable with said tool for locking thereof. 
     
     
       12. A tool changer in accordance with claim 11 wherein said locking means comprises a wedge that is advanceable by a screw, and a power driven screwdriver for rotating said screw. 
     
     
       13. A tool changer in accordance with claim 12 wherein said wedge has a plurality of lateral slits therein to facilitate compression against said tool. 
     
     
       14. A tool changer in accordance with claim 13 wherein said slits extend from opposite sides of said wedge. 
     
     
       15. A tool changer in accordance with claim 12 wherein said locking means comprises a pair of wedges that are advanceable toward one another to effect locking of a tool. 
     
     
       16. A tool changer in accordance with claim 12 wherein said locking means comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders having locking pistons thereon, a piston for pressurizing a fluid to effect movement of said locking pistons, and screw means for effecting movement of said pressurizing piston.